President Peter Mutharika launched a 186-kilometer by-pass road construction project in Blantyre. The bypass set to be complete in three to four years will go through various locations in Blantyre. Accompanied by the first lady, Blantyre City Council deputy director Mr. Matthews Mwadzaangati among other officials, the president revealed that its construction will cost MK4.6 billion.
In accordance with Malawi’s key economic factors, the Blantyre bypass ring-road is set to facilitate fast and easy transportation of goods and services. This will highly contribute towards economic growth in the region. President Mutharika said that he hoped the new ring road would reduce traffic congestion on Blantyre City roads. He is also optimistic that goods and services will move faster.
The president noted that the bypass ring road would not only improve Malawi’s road network but also make Blantyre City and other rural areas more attractive. The bypass starts at Chigumula all the way to Mpemba, passing through Michiru and Chileka Airport. From the airport, it snakes to Lungu, Mapanga, Zomba and Chiradzulu turn of the area and then connects Mzedi to Bangwe.
The road construction will be done in phases with the first one starting at Chigumula to Mphemba area. President Mutharika revealed that the Misesa- Chigumula construction phase would take a year for completion. The rest of the road stretch would take 3 to 4 years for completion.
Jappie Mhango, Transport and Public Works Minister who accompanied the President for the launching event urged stakeholders to help the government deliver on this project. He said that it was the responsibility of stakeholders to supervise and monitor the project in order to ensure the contractor delivers on high and quality road standards.
The new Blantyre bypass ring road will be the first of its architect-style in Malawi. The road will have 100 years lifespan expectancy.
